Welcome to SO303: Advanced Sociological Theory

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Welcome to SO303 Advanced Sociological Theory

• Course coordinator
• Dr Steven Ratuva

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What are theories?

• Explanations about the world
• Abstract reasoning about social reality
• Guiding principles to assist comprehension
• General explanations based on experience and in
  turn guide our experience

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Roles of sociological theories

• Make sense of social phenomenon and everyday life
  
• Link different aspects of life Physical, social,
  cultural and abstract

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Continued

• Look beyond the visible
• Sharpen intellectual reflexes
• Critically examine problems and issues

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Continued

• See things in broad and deep perspectives
• Not take things for granted

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Sociology family tree
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Focus of course
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1. Structuralism

• Human activity and its products, even perception
  and thought itself, are constructed and not
  natural.
• Human behaviour determined by structures
• Emerged in 60s in France

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2. Post-structuralism

• Reaction against structuralism
• Criticisms of structuralism 1. Ahistorical 2.
  Structurally deterministic 3. Restricts capacity
  of humans to act independently
• Social unrest of 60s and 70s Rise of
  deconstruction
• Denial of grand narrative
• Rejects discovery of truth or facts

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3. Critical theory Theory of Jurgen Habermas

• Born 1929
• Public sphere
• Communicative action
• Epistemology
• Democracy
• Politics
• Emancipation

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4. Contemporary Feminism

• Gender relations
• Construction of feminism Politics and ideology

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Assessment

• Examination 40
• Coursework 60
• Tutorial seminar 20 (10 presentation-1,000
  words 10 paper)
• Tutorial attendance 10
• Field trip 10 (details to be confirmed)
• Major essay (Due Oct 9), 3,000 words 20